CHAP. II. GEMS. 05 



SUBSECTION II. 



The Bud. The bud is a compound gem of an 

 ovate or conical figure, issuing from the axil of the 

 leaves or extremity of the branches, and containing 

 the rudiments of future branches, leaves, or fruit; 

 but not detaching itself spontaneously from the 

 plant and forming a new individual. It is com- 

 posed externally of a number of concave and over- 

 lapping scales that protect the enclosed embryo 

 from the injuries of the atmosphere, and is con- 

 nected with the stem or branch by means of a short 

 and fleshy pedicle in which the scales originate ; 

 the outer scales, which are occasionally fringed with 

 hairs at the edge, being thicker and tougher in their 

 fabric, and of a deeper colour on the external sur- 

 face ; and the inner scales, which are similar indeed 

 in their structure, being finer and more delicate in 

 their fabric and of a paler complexion. The bud 

 of the American Walnut is said to be the most mag- 

 nificent of all known examples ; though the bud of 

 JEsculus Hippocastanum or the Horse-chesnut, is 

 I believe little inferiour. 



Buds have been distributed by botanists into the Varieties, 

 three following varieties : 1. Such as produce only 

 leaves. 2. Such as produce only flowers. 3. Such 

 as produce both leaves and flowers together. This 

 is a very well founded distinction, and the variety 

 may generally be recognized by its form. The 

 flower-bud is thick and short ; the leaf-bud is slen- 

 VOL. i. F 



